Excelsior Shiraz

The picturesque Robertson Valley is nestled in the shadow of the majestic Langeberg mountains, close to the Breede (Broad) River. In addition to fine wine, the area is recognized for roses and horse breeding. It was here that the De Wet family purchased a large tract of land in 1859, subsequently channeling the river and planting the regions first vineyards. In 1870, the land was divided among the founders three sons, and the youngest named his portion Excelsior. Today the estate is owned by Freddie and Peter de Wet, the fourth and fifth generation of De Wets to farm the property. Robertsons limestone-rich calcareous clay soils, ideal for quality wine production, possess excellent water retention properties. Excelsior boasts over 495 acres planted to noble grape varietals, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz. One of the most visible South African brands in the US marketplace, Excelsior has established a winning track record of quality and value. As Robert Parkers Wine Advocate recently noted, Excelsiorrepresents another of those South African instances where one wonders how the wines can possibly be well-made, distinctivelypackaged, exported to the States, and still sell for a mere ten dollars. Crafted in a ripe, juicy style and packaged under screwcap, the wines have garnered consistent Best Buy accolades. It is the philosophy at Excelsior that good wine is made in the vineyards. The De Wets have always embraced innovation and technology, and Excelsior was the first wine estate in South Africa to install drip irrigation. Careful regulation of irrigation and rigorous canopy management are key aspects of their vineyard management program. Winemaker Johan Stemmet, who earned a degree in Cellar Technology at Elsenberg Agricultural College, has been crafting the wines of Excelsior since 2003. In addition to producing a series of delicious and approachable value wines, Excelsior has a long history of horse breeding. In the days before the advent of the automobile, the farm was known as a source of the finest hackney carriage horses. The De Wets eventually turned from hackneys to championship thoroughbred racehorses, and Excelsior quickly established a reputation as one of South Africas most distinguished stud farms. The estates longstanding horse breeding tradition is reflected in the equine theme on the Excelsior labels.

Alcohol percentage: 14.1

Tasting Notes

This wine has bold plum, chocolate and spicy aromas, followed by a palate bursting with cherry and smoked meat flavours.